A NIGHTCLUB and bar owner wants to take the roof of his building off in order to create a ‘quiet’ beer garden area.

The proposal has been put forward to Denbighshire County Council by applicant Leigh Wright, who owns Ellis’s Bar on Water Street, Rhyl.

By removing a large part of the roof, Mr Wright says a 'well ventilated' outdoor area can be created.

In a brief justification statement it is stated: "The current Covid-19 pandemic and associated business closures and restrictions have decimated the hospitality trade.

"As restrictions are gradually eased, but unlikely to be removed altogether for a long time, will lead to a situation where any businesses permitted to reopen will have to adhere to guidance for social distancing. This is extremely difficult to achieve within enclosed premises.

"The proposal creates an open plan outdoor area, which is well ventilated and will allow tables and chairs to be set out to adhere to social distancing requirements.

Rhyl Journal:

A neighbour submitted this picture of the roof as part of a consultation response.

"By being able to provide this facility will enable the owners of the site to recommence trading in a safe manner, when allowed, and to bring employees back to work.

"The proposal will therefore achieve social and economic benefits that will enhance the prosperity of Rhyl," it adds.

"The proposal also removes music and dancing from the rear of the premises, which will be within the remaining enclosed premises only with enhanced sound insulation to protect the residential amenity of residential properties in this area, as such the proposal enhances the residential amenity of existing residential properties."

As part of a consultation, one neighbour raised concerns. They said: "The rear of Ellis building, where the beer garden would be situated, is within very close proximity to all neighbours, encroaching on our privacy, noise pollution from customers and music filtering through doors opening and closing will be a huge problem for local residents, seven days a week, from morning until late at night.

"Also, pollution from cigarette smoke will be a concern because the area is quite enclosed, what with noise as well, it would be amplified, meaning surrounding neighbours will never be able to open their windows.

"The owner of Ellis/Hidden already has two other pubs in Rhyl town centre, one of them already has a beer garden, why does he not invest in that one, it is not situated in a residential area, so would not disturb the peace of the local community."

The roof, proposed for removal, was built about 20 years ago and is not part of the original structures.

The original property is a three storey traditional building that is listed as being of special historic or architectural interest that is believed to have originally been constructed as a pair of houses around 1850.

The ground floor of the premises has been in commercial use as a public bar and nightclub for many years.

To the rear of the site there are various ad-hoc extensions that have been added over the years to form an extension to the licensed premises.